5 Best Louisiana (LA) Dog Insurance Plans Compared in 2023

Updated on by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent

Louisiana dog owners know that veterinary emergencies can happen anytime and that urgent care can often break the bank. That said, between confusing policy language and the seemingly endless list of insurers, I know that finding the right plan can feel daunting. That’s why my team and I researched the best Louisiana dog insurance plans as a nationally licensed insurance agent and longtime dog parent. When you live in New Orleans, Metairie, Monroe, Baton Rouge or anywhere between, this article covers everything you need to know to make an educated decision. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.

Top LA Dog Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost

Use our below table to quickly compare the best dog insurance providers in Louisiana. The average monthly Louisiana-specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in Louisiana with a 70112 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, coverage amount, and depending on the breed of your puppy. Prices are accurate as of January 2023 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.

4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Louisiana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$28.94/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Louisiana vets via video chat 24/7
  • They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
  • Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Louisiana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$32.50/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$20,000

  • They offer up to 100% reimbursement with a $20,000 annual maximum benefit for a reasonable fee and have fast reimbursement options
  • Wagmo Wellness plans reimburse you for the routine and preventative care you do for your pets annually
  • Founded in 2017 and underwritten by National Specialty Insurance Company
4.5
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$49.34/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
BENEFIT

$10,000

  • Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
  • They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
  • Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
4.3
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Louisiana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$56.00/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

Unlimited

  • Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
  • They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
  • Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
3.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Louisiana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$33.50/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
  • Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
  • Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance

figo
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Louisiana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN LOUISIANA

$28.94/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Louisiana vets via video chat 24/7
  • They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
  • Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company

How much does dog insurance cost in Louisiana for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Louisiana dog insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected costs for three cities shown below. The prices will also vary based on the age, health, and breed of your puppy.

All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of January 2023 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in Louisiana we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Wagmo.

  1. Mixed Breed
    • New Orleans – $21.27/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $25.72/ mo
    • Shreveport – $23.21/ mo
  2. Labrador Retriever
    • New Orleans – $28.94/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $35.03/ mo
    • Shreveport – $31.60/ mo
  3. Golden Retriever
    • New Orleans – $28.88/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $34.97/ mo
    • Shreveport – $31.54/ mo
  4. German Shepherd
    • New Orleans – $31.23/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $37.79/ mo
    • Shreveport – $34.10/ mo
  5. Goldendoodle
    • New Orleans – $25.13/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $30.43/ mo
    • Shreveport – $27.44/ mo
  6. Chihuahua
    • New Orleans – $13.22/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $16.00/ mo
    • Shreveport – $14.44/ mo
  7. Siberian Husky
    • New Orleans – $29.02/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $35.14/ mo
    • Shreveport – $31.69/ mo
  8. Yorkshire Terrier
    • New Orleans – $18.25/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $22.09/ mo
    • Shreveport – $19.93/ mo
  9. American Pit Bull Terrier
    • New Orleans – $32.14/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $38.91/ mo
    • Shreveport – $35.07/ mo
  10. Australian Shepherd
    • New Orleans – $19.99/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $24.20/ mo
    • Shreveport – $21.82/ mo
  11. Dachshund
    • New Orleans – $18.86/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $22.82/ mo
    • Shreveport – $20.58/ mo
  12. Shih Tzu
    • New Orleans – $16.79/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $20.32/ mo
    • Shreveport – $18.34/ mo
  13. French Bulldog
    • New Orleans – $39.75/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $48.12/ mo
    • Shreveport – $43.39/ mo
  14. Boxer
    • New Orleans – $38.50/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $48.31/ mo
    • Shreveport – $43.57/ mo
  15. Labradoodle
    • New Orleans – $25.13/ mo
    • Baton Rouge – $30.43/ mo
    • Shreveport – $27.44/ mo

Not finding your specific dog breed? Figo pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Louisiana and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.

Louisiana Dog Insurance FAQs

So what, exactly, is dog insurance?

Dog insurance, a subcategory of pet insurance, is a pet health insurance policy that can help cover various costs of emergency care that your dog may have to undergo due to sickness or injury. These types of expenses include x-rays, blood tests, surgeries, and a ton more of the endless amount of exam fees. Getting dog insurance can be a decision that determines the life or (we hope not) death of your furry pal.

Is this useful in Louisiana?

Louisiana ranks as one of the highest states in veterinary costs in the US for pet owners. Louisiana households pay an average of $1,500 annually for vet bills, not based on routine office visits or wellness checks, but instead on unexpected vet bills due to severe injury and sickness emergencies. Hearing that your dog has a slipped disk in their hip or having developed tumors in their stomach that needs to be removed immediately can make your heart drop instantly. As a loving owner to your fur baby, as much as you would drop everything and do anything for your pet, the fear and anxiety of affordability can make the stress heighten even more. Fortunately, Louisiana has many different pet insurance options to assist in these fearful situations and even offers low-income pet help to those who depend on the local government for living and money assistance in the state.

What does Louisiana dog insurance cover?

As stated previously, this isn’t just for routine vaccinations or wellness checks when your canine has seasonal allergies or the occasional bout of constipation. In addition, most dog insurances will cover the high costs for certain surgeries (tumors, spaying/neutering, etc.), cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy), blood work, x-rays, and any other high-cost procedures.

What will the cost be like?

The cost of dog insurance in Louisiana will all depend on the following factors:

  1. Dog breed
  2. Age of dog
  3. Location (various cities/ zip codes charge different rates)

For example, a 6-month-old Chihuahua in New Orleans or Baton Rouge would average about $16/$17 to $41 monthly, whereas, in Shreveport, the average monthly cost would be $15 to $37.

How old does my pup need to be to start?

According to the Trupanion Policy, “All cats and dogs under 14 years of age are eligible to enroll for lifelong coverage. You live in the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico (including US and Canadian military bases). After that, we welcome dogs and cats of every shape, size, and breed.” Most policies want your puppy to be at least 8 weeks old.

Is there reimbursement?

Let’s say you have dog insurance with a 90% reimbursement amount, a $250 deductible, and a $20,000 max annual benefit. Then imagine something happens that requires a $10,000 emergency vet surgery. In this scenario, your insurance company would reimburse you $9,000 minus your $250 deductible meaning that you would be out of pocket $1,250 instead of $10,000. One company that is an exception to this rule is Trupanion who directly offers payment to vets in their network. This way, you won’t have to pay out of pocket.

Does a lower deductible always mean better?

Typically, a lower deductible can mean higher monthly payments; this means that although you will be out of pocket more each month for expenses, you will be less out of pocket for those emergencies with your four-pawed friend. Many providers will offer an easy-to-use calculator when finding the correct quote for you, and we often see a majority of people choose a $250-500 deductible initially.

Are there restricted dog breeds for home insurance in Louisiana?

Most states have restrictions for homeowners insurance on certain breeds of dogs and certain insurance providers. These may include (but are not limited to):

  • Akitas
  • Chow Chows
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • German Shepherds
  • Bull Mastiffs
  • Pit Bull Terriers
  • Rottweilers
  • Wolfhounds

Contacting your local insurance provider will be the best answer to finding out the limitations and expectations of each insurance company. Not only will it help to find out what the policy includes and excludes regarding your pup, but also to see whether or not you will need a specific ‘liability rider.’

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Safe & Healthy in Louisiana

Living in the south, you must consider many factors when you get a new pup: the intense, humidity-filled summers, the various reptilian and amphibian creatures that lurk in and around the woods/swamps, and the wild mammalian brethren that roam the streets/forests at night. As lovely as it is to have acres of open land for your furry friend to enjoy, or even the suburban southern neighborhood life, there can be danger all around that sometimes is inevitable. Here are some strategies to keeping your dog happy, healthy, and as far away from potential risk for harm as possible:

1. Grooming

As strange as this may seem, grooming is not only to make your dog cosmetically adorable (little bows in their fur are the cutest) but also is of the utmost importance for their health. Double coated breeds (i.e., huskies, german shepherds, etc.) are more susceptible to heatstroke during the hot summers of Louisiana; this is perfectly timed for their de-shedding process, which can be 3-6 months total. So why not help them out a bit? Invest in getting your furry pooch a lovely spa day, including a furminator bath and fur blowout! Also, keeping nails trimmed prevents different accidents and injuries to their paws, especially if they grow inward vs. outward. Are you worried that your four-legged friend is fearful and aggressive toward groomers? Ask your vet and vet techs if they would provide the grooming instead!

2. Hydration

If you live in Louisiana, you know there are only two seasons: a little bit of Fall mixed with a short amount of chilly weather and hot as hell Summer. So during the seven levels of hell- I mean summertime- your pup will need the extra water to help stay hydrated and cool off as well. If your dog is not adequately hydrated, it can lead to severe injury and potential death caused by dehydration, heatstroke, etc. Remember the phrase: hydration or die-dration!

3. Local Wildlife

Cottonmouths, Rattlers, Raccoons, possums, etc., what do they all have in common? Your dog sees it, and it has instant interest! But, unfortunately for them, this can be extremely dangerous and can leave them at high risk for venomous bites, cuts, scratches, and even the potential for rabies. So as much as your dog wants to get in protective mode from the raccoon rummaging through the garbage or even just ‘boop’ the snoot of a rattlesnake slithering on by, you must protect your precious pup from these risks and bring/keep them indoors, especially at night. If you see any wildlife rummaging through and around your home, and you want to make sure your dog stays safe, give your local Louisiana animal control or wildlife experts a call, and they will come to remove them for you.

4. Late night trash snacks

Ah, the garbage can: where all the best treasures! Or, at least to your dog, that is. Every dog has their bad days, and you may find your mischievous (and hungry) furry friend digging their way to the ‘buried treasure’ in your garbage can. As frustrating as it is to clean this massive and gross mess your dog will have created, it is also highly problematic for you due to the potential harm it could have caused. Chicken bones, paper towels, pieces of plastic/glass, and much more can be consumed by your four-pawed pal, which can lead to emergencies where you have to act fast. They can easily choke, get sick, get bowel blockages, and even become poisoned by whatever they have access to when getting into the garbage. How do you prevent this? Get a secure trash can that your dog cannot easily access; instead of a simple push-top trash can, invest in a step trash can or even move the can into a nearby pantry/closet to store closed and away from your dog’s vision. Bonus, you won’t have to clean the kitchen or bathe your smelly dog!

5. Proper care

Common sense, right? Unfortunately, many dog owners do not give the proper loving care their dog deserves and needs. Annually each year, the average number of dogs who suffer heatstroke and die in hot cars is 78: and that’s one too many! Also, 45% of dogs in America alone suffer from diseases related to obesity, and close to 65% of all abused animals are dogs. Yeah, I know, depressing. HOWEVER, there is a solution to prevent any of these horrible tragedies from happening to your furbaby! Regular exercise and proper diet, tender loving care, and NO leaving your pup in a hot car no matter how much you crack your windows! If you have to bring your dog along for the ride and stay in the car, get a spare key to lock the door and leave the vehicle running for your dog. And hey, they might crank the radio and jam while you get your errands done!

5 Unique Dog Rescue Shelters in Louisiana

I bet you’ve been desperately searching for a new furry friend the entirety of this article, huh? Well rid away from the extensive google search lists because we have five recommendations in Louisiana for finding your new perfect four-pawed pal:

1. Advocate & Rescue – New Orleans Pet Shelter

Advocate and Rescue for Companion Animals (ARC) is a home-based rescue for companion pets. This dedicated group of foster parents and rescuers fosters dogs and cats in their homes until they can locate dedicated, loving owners. We accept shelter pets, lost-found pets, and owner-surrendered pets individually and when space is available. We also work closely with other rescue groups in the community to foster and rehome needy dogs and cats. We are committed to saving the pets that would otherwise die in shelters or on the streets. Operation Whodatts and Sue’s Mews is part of a merger with area rescues. These groups service areas of the Northshore, areas surrounding New Orleans, and concentrate on numerous outreach programs in and out of the state.


2. Louisiana SPCA

The Louisiana SPCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promote, protect and advance the well-being of Louisiana’s companion animals. As the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, we impact more than 73,000 homeless and companion animals each year. For more than 130 years, we have been committed to serving the needs of the people and animals in the Greater New Orleans community and across the region as a 4-star Charity Navigator rated nonprofit ranking in the top 1% nationally.


3. Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge

Started up in 2010, FOTA (Friends of the Animals) lives by the mission of rescuing, re-homing, and saving as many dogs and cats as possible in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. The goal is to treat every heartworm-positive animal that is adopted and up for foster care; FOTA has found forever homes for more than 6000 animals from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area shelters and the FASS (Friends of the Animals Alternative to Shelter Surrender) program.


4. Villalobos Rescue Center aka “Pitbulls & Parolees”

Villalobos Rescue Center (Spanish translation ‘Village of Wolves), also known as “Pitbulls & Parolees” on the Animal Planet channel, is a former California home base rescue shelter with the main focus of rescuing Pitbulls (as well as other dogs) and giving them another chance at life.

“We work patiently to re-acclimatize fearful dogs to the loving care of a human so that they may eventually be adopted. These dogs have never had a kind word or touch in some cases, and it is a slow process. After determining temperaments and compatibility factors, we begin that long search for the perfect home.”

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, this rescue center would give shelter tours to their fans of the show and also potential new homes for their rescued pups, which helped to gain traction to their organization.


5. Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana

The HSNWLA is a local no-kill shelter in Northwest Louisiana city of Shreveport, Louisiana; it is a donation and volunteer-based organization (501-C3) that was established in 1997 by volunteers to address the concerns and needs of animals in the area. Their main focus is to help dogs in need through sheltering, adoption, spay/neuter, education, and community outreach. The main goals that they focus on are the promotion of early spay/neutering programs, lowering the number of unnecessary euthanizations of animals in local shelters, and promoting adoption from local shelters and animal groups.


Conclusion

The best time to sign up for any type of dog insurance is when your puppy reaches eight weeks old to avoid being disqualified by pre-existing conditions that can occur later in your dog’s life. Puppy insurance is beneficial for your dog during those unfortunate catastrophic accidents and their overall health. Through our extensive research, Figo pet insurance consistently performed the best with the lowest monthly premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Louisiana

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Louisiana based on a variety of important factors including the following:

  • Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Louisiana with a 70112 zip code
  • Coverage and benefits
  • Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
  • AM Best rating of the underwriter
  • Reimbursement percentage
  • Annual benefit amount
  • Technology and user experience
  • Ease of sign up
  • Policy language clarity
  • User reviews

Other state dog insurance resources

Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | Arkansas (AR) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Hawaii (HI) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | Iowa (IA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maine (ME) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Mississippi (MS) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Carolina (SC) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Virginia (VA) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wisconsin (WI) | Wyoming (WY)